Tanzania parades Rafiki Briquete to broaden its clean energy campaign

TABORA: THE Tanzanian government, through the State Mining Corporation (STAMICO), has stepped up efforts to ensure that the use of clean cooking energy through the Rafiki Briquette project spreads countrywide in a bid to ensure the 86 percent use of the clean energy by 2030.

This was stated today in Tabora Region by Deputy Minister for Minerals Dr Steven Kiruswa, while reporting to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy and Minerals, while reviewing projects managed by the Ministry of Minerals.

Dr Kiruswa said that STAMICO has already purchased four plants with a capacity to produce 20 tons per hour, which have been installed in the areas of Kiwira, Pwani, Chigongwe in Dodoma Region, and Kiloleni in Tabora Region.

Dr Kiruswa explained that, for the Tabora Region, STAMICO aims to promote the use of Clean Energy for Tobacco farmers who have long been using firewood in large quantities, an issue involving environmental destruction.

For his part, the Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy and Minerals, Subira Mgalu, has commended STAMICO for the innovation of sustainable strategic projects that bring great contributions to the nation, including connecting the entire mineral value chain.

Mgalu has called on STAMICO to start production early as well as open other branches in various regions of the country in order to implement the national Agenda concerning the use of Clean Energy to reach 86 percent of Clean Energy use by 2030.

For his part, Msafiri Mbibo, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Minerals, has thanked the committee for various comments aimed at improving the project, especially in terms of employment and the installation of production plants.

Earlier, giving a report on the progress of the project, Deusdedith Magala, Acting Managing Director of STAMICO, said that the Rafiki Briquettes project in various regions expects to employ over 1,000 Tanzanians.